Biodiversity: what on earth is it?

Biodiversity, or all life on this planet, provides us with food, medicines, fuel, timber, clean air and water. Some
scientists believe we are losing biodiversity at mass extinction rates. Does this matter?


A new interactive exhibition, launched this week by two of the UK's Research Councils, will answer this question and many
more. The exhibition takes you from the chalky grasslands of southern England to a thermal vent in the Atlantic Ocean, to
polluted wastelands to show you how important biodiversity is and how we can work with it.


Biodiversity: what on earth is it? is launched at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on 21 May to coincide with
'Scottish Biodiversity Week'. The exhibition, designed and funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research
Council (BBSRC) and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), will stay in Edinburgh for a month and spend the summer
at the Glasgow Science Centre. A tour of the UK is planned to start later this year.


Biodiversity: what on earth is it? looks at the science behind our understanding of biodiversity. For example, it
shows how studies on simple organisms, such as the fruit fly, can help us to learn about functions of our own bodies. The
exhibition illustrates how biodiversity feeds us, how it provides many of our antibiotics or how it can be used to clean up
pollution.


It also shows how biodiversity is changing and how it is affected by human activity. The exhibition tackles challenges such
as how to measure and describe biodiversity. It shows what can happen when foreign insects, plants and animals, such as the
grey squirrel, push out native species.


Professor Julia Goodfellow, Chief Executive of BBSRC, said, "We need to understand more about the underlying biological
processes that generate and maintain biodiversity. BBSRC is developing its policy on biodiversity research and is currently
consulting on people's views and priorities."


The Natural Environment Research Council's Marine and Freshwater Microbial Biodiversity Programme recently discovered a new
species of bacterium in deep-sea sediment with properties that seem to inhibit MRSA. Findings will be presented in Edinburgh
at a press conference for the programme on Tuesday 24 May.


Professor Alan Thorpe, Chief Executive of NERC, said, "Research into biodiversity is critical for sustainable development.
Our work in this area is helping industry, government and farmers make the most of natural resources. Our biodiversity
programmes have substantially increased our knowledge of soil systems, marine and freshwater environments and extreme
habitats. This research will be key to coping with changes such as urbanisation and climate change."


Contact















Matt Goode, BBSRC Media Officer

Tel: 01793 413299, e-mail: matt.goodebbsrc.ac.uk


Owen Gaffney, NERC Press Officer

Tel: 01793 442629, e-mail: ognerc.ac.uk


Shona Hay, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Tel: 0131 248 2900, e-mail: s.hayrbge.uk


Biodiversity - what on earth is it? will be opened to the public in Edinburgh during Scottish Biodiversity Week
(21-29 May) which incorporates International Biodiversity Day (22 May) and then daily until 19 June. Following the launch in
Edinburgh the exhibition will travel around the UK to several public venues, beginning with a summer season at Glasgow
Science Centre.


A launch event is being held in evening of Friday 20 May at the Royal Botanic Garden. If you would like to attend this event
please contact Matt Goode, BBSRC Media Officer, Tel: 01793 413299.


For more information about Biodiversity: what on earth is it? at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh please visit: rbge.uk/rbge/web/news/events.jsp


The BBSRC consultation on biodiversity research can be seen and comments made through:
bbsrc.ac.uk/society/consult/Welcome.html


About BBSRC


The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the UK funding agency for research in the life
sciences. Sponsored by Government, BBSRC annually invests around Ј336 million in a wide range of research that makes a
significant contribution to the quality of life for UK citizens and supports a number of important industrial stakeholders
including the agriculture, food, chemical, healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. bbsrc.ac.uk


About NERC


The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) is one of the UK's eight Research Councils. It uses a budget of about Ј300
million a year to fund and carry out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains the next
generation of independent environmental scientists. It specialises in earth system science, addressing some of the key
questions facing mankind such as global warming, renewable energy and sustainable economic development.
nerc.ac.uk